Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Isomalt Log using Texture Mats

Today we are going to show you how to make a textured log for your next isomalt scene.

Remember when working with isomalt to take precautions against getting burned. The sugar gets very hot! Wear gloves and keep a bucket of ice water handy in the event you get sugar on you.

I'm going to use my Oak Tree Bark texture mat. You could also use the Pear Tree Bark texture mat. For the first step I am going to pour the isomalt onto the back side of the mat. You may use any smooth silicone mat or silpat type product for this step.

I used clear and white isomalt nibs from CakePlay. They were melted in the microwave in 30 second increments until fully melted. Then I added a few drops of brown food coloring until I reached the desired color; using a long bamboo skewer to stir the mixture.

Pour out a portion of the isomalt onto the back of the mat. Use a skewer to keep it from oozing off the sides.

As it starts setting keep folding the mat over folding the sugar onto itself.

Once the sugar forms together use your hand to roll the isomalt back and forth forming a log. ** Remember to do what I say and not what I'm showing -- please wear a glove as the sugar may still be warm enough to burn. **

Continue rolling until you get a round log of the desired shape. Times will vary depending on the amount of isomalt in your log. The larger log below took almost 30 minutes to cool where the small one only took about 10.

Make sure they are solid and cold before you continue or the log will become misshaped on the next step.

Now heat up your brown isomalt again. You will pour this onto the textured side of your bark mat.

Pour out an amount that is larger than your log. Use the skewer to flip the extended ends back over itself as they start to cool. Allow this to set until it is firm but still slightly soft. Bend the mold, if it cracks it is too cool, you may use a blow torch to soften the top surface.

Once softened, place the log onto the middle of the area. Fold the mat over the log.

Roll the texture mat around the log center. I then used rubber bands to hold in place.